Every March, St. Patrick’s Day in NYC turns the city into a sea of green, celebrating Irish culture, heritage, and community spirit. Whether you’re in town to march with bagpipers up Fifth Avenue or to raise a pint at one of the city’s storied Irish pubs, New York offers festivities for every kind of reveler.

This guide will walk you through the best parades, Irish pubs on the Upper West Side, lively St. Patrick’s Day bars in NYC, and how to enjoy the holiday when you’re staying at The Lucerne Hotel on the Upper West Side.

A Storied Tradition: The NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade

At the heart of St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in New York is the iconic New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade, one of the oldest and largest in the world. First held in 1762, the parade has become a beloved annual tradition that draws around 150,000 marchers and millions of spectators from all over the globe.

Held on March 17th, the parade begins at 11 a.m. and makes its way up Fifth Avenue, starting at 44th Street and continuing north to 79th Street. Along the way, marchers in kilts, marching bands, cultural groups, and community clubs bring Irish heritage to life with vibrant displays of music, dance, and pageantry.

If you’re staying at The Lucerne Hotel on the Upper West Side, the parade route is easily accessible. It’s a nice 25-minute walk across Central Park to reach the parade route on Fifth Avenue near 79th-82nd Street.

St. Patrick’s Day on the Upper West Side

While Manhattan’s parade draws the biggest crowds, the Upper West Side has its own charm on St. Patrick’s Day in NYC. Here, the festive energy is often a mix of locals and visitors heading out to neighborhood pubs, grabbing brunch, and soaking up Irish tunes. The area’s pubs and bars are perfect for a more relaxed but spirited way to celebrate.

Here are a few favorites near The Lucerne Hotel that are right at the heart of the neighborhood’s fun and lively vibe:

Irish Pubs on the Upper West Side

  • The Dead Poet – A classic Irish pub, less than a 5-minute walk from The Lucerne Hotel, that’s popular with locals and offers hearty pub fare, great pints, and an authentic atmosphere.

  • Dublin House – A long-standing neighborhood favorite, less than a 3-minute walk from the hotel, known for friendly service and Guinness on tap.

  • The Gin Mill – A lively gastropub less than a 5-minute walk from The Lucerne Hotel with cozy interiors and a broad selection of beers and spirits.

  • George Keeley – A classic Upper West Side bar about a 6-minute walk from The Lucerne Hotel near Amsterdam Avenue, with a comfortable neighborhood vibe.

  • Malachy's Irish Pub – Another Upper West Side favorite, just a short, 12-minute stroll from The Lucerne Hotel, perfect for a laid-back pint.

These spots are all a short distance from The Lucerne Hotel, making them ideal places to start your holiday celebrations before or after taking in the parade or other citywide events.

Top St. Patrick’s Day Bars in NYC

If you’re up for exploring beyond the Upper West Side, New York City’s bar scene goes all-out for this holiday. From Midtown to Times Square and beyond, here are some recommended St. Patrick’s Day bars in NYC where you’ll find festive drinks, Irish music, and plenty of celebratory atmosphere:

  • McGee's Pub – A legendary Midtown Irish-style pub, approximately a 10-minute rideshare from the Lucerne Hotel, known for its traditional vibe and generous drink pours.

  • P.J. Carney’s Pub – A friendly Midtown spot about a 10-minute rideshare away with hearty fare and lots of Guinness flowing on St. Paddy’s Day.

  • P. McDaid’s Irish Pub – A vibrant Irish establishment near the Theater District, approximately a 15-minute rideshare from the hotel, with great food and drinks.

Whether you’re joining an organized bar crawl, hopping from pub to pub on your own, or simply looking for a cozy corner to enjoy a Guinness and Irish whiskey, these bars deliver spirited fun right in the heart of NYC.

Tips for Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in NYC

If you’re planning your visit around March 17th:

  • Arrive early for the parade. It gets crowded fast, and good viewing spots fill up well before the 11 a.m. start.

  • Reserve pub or bar spots ahead of time if you’re aiming to enjoy dinner or drinks in popular Irish pubs on the Upper West Side or Midtown.

  • Wear green! Even if the tradition started as a way to avoid getting pinched, it’s now an unwritten dress code that adds to the spirit and fun of the day.

Plan Your Stay

St. Patrick’s Day in NYC is one of the most festive and memorable times to experience the Big Apple. From the Upper West Side’s neighborhood favorites to classic bars throughout Manhattan, there’s no shortage of places to raise a glass and toast to good luck, good company, and good times.

After a long day of festivities, retreat to the comfortable charm and prime location of The Lucerne Hotel. With easy access to parades, pubs, and subway lines alike, choosing The Lucerne Hotel for your stay ensures you’re right at the heart of every New York celebration.

Book your stay and bring your green for a toast to the Irish in all of us!